October 8,2008
Today is another day of traveling to new parts of Oregon to see what other towns or cities have to offer. One of the big things we have been noticing is the amount of homes that are being offered in Lakeside and Florence, so rather then crossing them off of our list to move to we figured it would be best to check out the community's and the country side.
The original plan was to head right up to Florence via Hwy 101 along the coast highway looking at Winchester and Lakeside again. It was last year when we went up to Winchester and since it was kind of a hurry hurry trip, we figured we would take our time today too look over the area better. Well, it didn't take long before I talked myself into taking another route through Hwy 38 along the Umpqua River at Reedsport to the Elk Viewing area . Of course this was my brilliant idea and this time we did not take a map with us. I assumed that Hwy 38 would circle around and come back into Florence. Mistake one. Never assume you don't need a map of the area!
While traveling up the Highway along the Umpqua river we went by a Roosevelt Elk viewing area called Dean Creek. This is located between Reedsport and Scottsdale. Stopping at the viewing area we did see some Elk and they were impressive. Lots of large Bulls, some with nice size racks. We were able to get within photo distance of the herd and did get some pictures, but not as close as I would have liked.
Now since we were at the Viewing area I thought I would ask one of the locals that were traveling through about Hwy 38 tying back into 101. I was informed it did indeed tie back in to 101. The big kicker is he did not tell me I had to go clear into Eugene Oregon first, which was quite a jont. You may say just a little out of our way. Like about another 80 additional miles or so out of our way.
Elks Creek, between Elkton & Drain. Elks Creek joins the Umpqua River at Elkton
One thing at least I did get the chance to see Eugene, which is a pretty big city, not really centered like most city's it's scattered all around the hills and valley.
I have to admit it to Helen, but she did tell me I was heading the wrong way and that we were headed toward the East and Hwy 5, not the coast, and she was right. Being a retired Forest Service employee we never get our directions mixed up, at least this is what I thought.
One thing I thought was quit unusual is the cost of gasoline in the different parts of Oregon. You would think gasoline in Eugene would be far cheaper than in Coos Bay and the gasoline in Florence being a smaller town along Hwy 101 would be more expensive. Wrong again. I have not figured out how they come up with their gas prices from area to area.
Now Florance s a little bit biger then Coquille. Why the big difference?
Here is the break down on Gas prices and population census:
1, Coos Bay $3.59 per gallon, Population 16,200
2, Grants Pass $3.49 per gallon. Population 30,930
3, Coquille $3.63 per gallon. Population 4184
4. Eugene $3.50 per gallon. Population 153,690
5. Florence $3.22 per gallon. Population 7318
No comments:
Post a Comment